THE SILENT KILLER

I remember many years ago when I used to be a worry-wart. I worried about every little thing and then worried that I worried so much. Needless to say back then life didn't get any better, nothing changed because I worried about it, I just grew older and my crankiness and mood swings probably drove those who were close to me crazy.

Early this morning I heard from a friend whose uncle had passed out from being too stressed all the time and also a young woman, 36, who recently died because of stress. Several years ago a 23 year old girl had a stroke that left her left side paralyzed...too many stories to list and all from the same culprit: STRESS. Yes we live in a demanding society where we always feel like we're being pulled from every direction, yes there are bills to pay and kids to feed, such is life! Being stressed over a long period of time sets your body on a continuous fight-or-flight mode, can you imagine always being on your toes or walking on egg shells? that's what happens when you let stress drive your life.

According to the America Medical Association, stress is far more dangerous in causing cancer and heart disease than smoking and high cholesterol, shocking isn't it? Stress is the cause of 60% of all illnesses and diseases. These statistics are a wake up call for us all. There is no use in fretting over something we can't change at the moment, I have learned that now. Did you know that almost all medications are prescribed for stress related diseases? Imagine what would happen if we were all able to control our stress levels or eliminate it from our lives completely. Stress weakens the immune system and leaves you open and at risk to different kinds of ailments.

SYMPTOMS OF STRESS:

Irritability, headaches, feeling burnt out, anger, restlessness, heart palpitations, anxiety, sweaty palms, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, depression and so many more.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR STRESS:

Unlike some unhealthy ways to deal with stress like smoking, drinking, overeating, overworking, sleeping too much, aggressive behaviors etc, there are many more healthy ways to cope, manage and rid yourself of stress.

1. Be assertive: Learn to say 'no'--something which was very hard for me to do because  I used to be afraid of hurting people's feelings but today I have learned to put myself first. You can't please everyone.

2. Stay away from people and situations that stress you out: Sometimes it is better to let go, you may have known someone for many years and feel a certain degree of loyalty in keeping them around, but there comes a point where you have to draw the line.

3. Manage your time better: Make a to-do list and learn how to look at the big picture, break it down into little parts and set realistic goals for yourself. Avoiding to do this may cause you to feel overwhelmed.

4. Forgiveness: My definition of forgiveness is this: "Forgiveness is allowing oneself to be set free, doesn't mean you are weak or that you will erase all memories of it, it is letting go to open up more room for love."

5. Meditate: Set aside quiet time for yourself. Do nothing. Master the art of doing nothing...silence...ssSSH

Ms. Delores Taku

6. Relax: It is very hard for some people to relax but it is a very necessary ingredient in managing stress. Here are few ways to relax; go for a walk, listen to music, take a long bath, drink some tea, read a good book, watch a romantic movie, watch a comedy, talk to a friend (not the ones who stress you out) have a healthy snack--adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet, try FYR :) -- and my favorite one; exercise, exercise. I always feel GREAT after exercising.

Stop Worrying: IF YOU CAN"T CHANGE IT TODAY, DON"T SWEAT IT!

Drink and eat to your health, you'll thank me later!

32 Years Young and Hopefully Growing Younger

Last weekend I celebrated my 32nd birthday, my actual birthday was march 1st but my aunt, Monica, organized one for me and my cousin, Dora. Should I just warn you that I was spoiled rotten? Well, there, you have been warned...I will let the pictures speak for themselves...

A choconana-appricot cake I made for Dora, YUMMY

Aunty Monica, our gracious hostess

Dora and aunty Monica

The buffet table

Ms. Sharon Arrey and I

Me in my little black dress I got from Dora

Ice cream cake

Me and baby Ricky( in the background)

The other birthday girl, Dora

My  6 month old Chubb-chub and I

Ricky and aunty Flo

Ricky and aunty Flo

My Nina, me, Tresor and Dora

Cutting the cake

Okay, so you see it was a big deal. Had so much fun. I can't thank aunty Monica, Dora, Adel and David enough. I did try a little bit of  almost everything. I was very conscious of what went into my mouth though. I had more vegetables than anyone else I think. It was well worth it as it acted as a great laxative for me the next day (sorry, but just had to add that). When I got up the morning after and felt flu-ish, I knew exactly why: it was the ice cream cake! My body knows exactly what it wants; dairy and I don't get along too well. So for the next three days I did a little cleanse, carrot juice fast, and I was back to myself again.

The reason I brought that up is to point out that if you treat your body well, it will actually 'talk' back to you and let you know if it agrees with the things you eat or not. I absolutely love the FYR lifestyle and I hope you decide to join the ride. Several people are taking the FYR 90-Day Superstar Challenge and I can't wait to start getting the success stories. In April, I have a handful of people starting as well, so if you have been waiting here's your chance. Summer is still several months away for all those who want to join the swimsuit challenge.

In the coming weeks FYR will be announcing its first Male Spokesperson. I hope you follow us (click on 'follow') to stay updated. On our next post we'll be talking about sources of Iron and eating red meat won't be one of them. 

I will leave you with a great little recipe to help boost your immune system and help fight against cancer. The secret is an ingredient called lycopene found in tomatoes which helps to prevent blood lymphocytes from  damage. I love tomatoes, especially raw, you can eat it in your salads or juice them, you can also add it to your smoothies. Fresh organic tomatoes are ideal. So if you're one of those people who won't try anything new, just think of the benefits of this great drink. I hope that's enough for you to try it...love yourself a little differently, it might as well begin with a glass of tomato juice.

Tomato Juice

Ingredients:

2 big ripe tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 tsp cayenne pepper ( I love cayenne, the more the better)
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp agave nectar (optional)

Method:

Juice the celery and tomato in a juicer. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. YUMMY-DELICIOUSO-Tritious :)

EAT AND DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH, YOU"LL THANK ME LATER!

The Great American Seduction

We live in a country where food seduction is in competition with marriage. Over 51% of marriages end up in divorce and over 50% of America’s food is highly processed. So which one is stimulating our pleasure centers in the brain more? I think we all know the answer. I was watching a certain commercial yesterday where a company was advertising their ‘Good Mood Food’ and I leaned forward to see what would give such a happy smile on someone’s face and it was interesting to see that it was a sandwich packed with some kind of animal flesh, cheese, and extra grease. I thought oh boy, is there anyone out there who really believes this? It was being advertised as a serving for one person whereas three people could actually eat that and be full.

With so many different ingredients being packed into food to make it addictive, is it any wonder why we can’t seem to stop eating? The reasons why these additives have been added are numerous, some of which are to add flavor and color to a food item that has been totally depleted and robbed of its nutrients.

I can safely say I have been addicted and have fallen for the sweet seduction of such foods twice in my life. The first time it was condensed milk and crackers. I used to rush to the store to buy a big container of condensed milk and crackers and would finish it in less than an hour. I used to feel so sick after that but do you think that stopped me? Another time I got fixated on captain crunch cereal, a box a day was my addiction. It sickens me to remember how horrible I felt afterwards but somehow I could not stop until I decided to ask myself one day why I still felt so ‘Horrible’ inside if all these foods were supposed to make me happy. I was putting myself on a periodic sugar high; I would be happy while eating the food and then sad a few hours later. Thank goodness I got the courage to stop misusing and abusing my body.

Here are a few ways to stop unhealthy food addiction:

 Do a periodic fast or detox: (I recommend the FYR 21-day detox found in the eBook on sale on this site). Somehow after a detox your body starts to crave only good and healthy foods, almost as if it knows what it wants and is begging you to stay the course. The moment you stray and start eating unhealthy again imagine that yucky feeling is your body asking you “Why? why are you doing this to me? Don’t I take good care of you? why don’t you take better care of me?”

My 7 year old took this picture of me this morning. I like to exercise when my 6 month old and my husband are still sleeping but Ms. Nina always seems to catch me just right when I'm about to begin. She likes to work out with me. If not, I usually have the whole house to myself. I call it 'Mommy's quiet/power' hour.

Exercise: I love exercising; it is a healthy addiction because it releases the real ‘Feel good’ hormones and keeps you on your toes all day. When you exercise you are more conscious of what you put in your mouth.

Eat your fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts: Go back to the basics. These foods would keep your blood sugars from spiking all over the place and keep you from being moody throughout the day. You don’t want to drive anyone crazy, would you? J would you?

Sleep: I don’t think I will ever have a television in my room and definitely not in my children’s room either. It is safer for me to keep it in the living room. A restful sleep is a powerful addiction breaker.

Start your day with a great breakfast, fruits are ideal and in any form: I love green smoothies. It is so much fun and definitely a great-mood-drink.

Have a support system: If you don’t have people who support what you’re doing it can be very challenging. Make your decision and go for it, don’t let anyone talk you out of it. It may come from a sincere place but at the end of the day it is you alone who knows how you feel inside and your health is in no one’s hands but your own.

Drink lots of water: I always start my morning with a big glass of water. Sometimes when you think you are hungry, all you may need is a glass of water to quench your thirst or dehydration. Drink up!

When I juice carrots I love to do my carrot soups then and since I am a lazy cook, raw food usually suits me well especially with something like the carrot soup where you just pour-all-in-and-blend. If you want to warm it after that it's all up to you but here are the simple ingredients:

My Liquid Gold

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh carrot juice

1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 soy or almond milk

2 Tbsp agave

Juice of 1/2 a lemon or 1 lime

2 Tbsp coconut oil

1/4 cup almond mill or ground cashews (to thicken it up)

salt and pepper to taste

A dash of curry

Blend all together and serve. YUMMY-GOLDILICIOUS.

Drink and eat to your health, you'll thank me later!